How I Built My Playset Border and Safety Surface

[@jacobsouth9947]

Thanks for doing this video. It really helped me understand just how much work I’ve signed myself up for😅. Worth it for the kids I guess. 😂

[@k6outdoors]

It's definitely a good amount of work, but the kids love it! Good luck and thanks for stopping in!

[@funtimefamilylor3506]

I agree haha I’m just ughh hoping it’s worth it

[@romishah4266]

Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks a lot for sharing 👍🏻

[@k6outdoors]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for stopping in!

[@jillsaefkow204]

Did you put down any fines gravel befire putting the barrier down? We're working on re-doing our playground area in our yard for the next set of our kids.

[@k6outdoors]

I did not, just removed the sod under the playset. Thanks for stopping in!

[@johnadeniji1493]

Thanks for this video, you convinced me to use rubber mulch, it’s just so expensive compared to regular mulch. Thanks.

[@k6outdoors]

Glad to help, in my opinion this is one of those instances where safety is important and its hard to put a price on it. It is very expensive but I've seen how it protects the kids first hand.

[@johnadeniji1493]

@@k6outdoors thanks.

[@weetzybat]

Don't use it, it causes cancer in kids. There's only one company right now that uses virgin rubber called Jelly Bean mulch, and while a fantastic product, it is expensive

[@marielajim2750]

Can I use wood mulch?

[@weetzybat]

@marielajim2750 should be IPEMA certified and enough put on to be the proper depth

[@charveyurbano4974]

Just curious, did you dig up any depth of dirt to lay out the perimeter or did you just laid the wood right on top of the dirt? Thanks

[@k6outdoors]

My area was flat enough that i just sat it ontop of the ground, thanks for stopping in!

[@charveyurbano4974]

Thank you. Much appreciated.

[@danielrichard1857]

Really Nice. One thing though, that wood border is popular but dangerous when a child falls and smack's there head on the edge...It can be deadly. Consider a plastic garden bed edge.

[@k6outdoors]

I understand and appreciate your concern on this. Unfortunately, there is risk in all situations and nothing is perfect. Thanks for stopping in

[@MsAmandaKatelyn]

I want to do this. Would it be necessary to pull up the grass then use the barrier? Or can I just lay the barrier on top my grass?

[@k6outdoors]

The barrier will smother out the grass so no real must to remove. I would remove the sof where the Playstation touches the ground to prevent settling though. Thanks for stopping in

[@DutchNaumo]

I'm planning on doing something very similar but I was going to drill through the posts and put the stakes through. Any reason you choose not to do that? Thanks

[@k6outdoors]

At the time I thought this was the best route. Either will work just fine! Thanks for stopping in!

[@daniellehammer5938]

So because your yard was not severely slopped you didn't have to dig before placing the barrier, border, and rubber mulch? We have a flat back yard.. so I guess im asking if I can just put the geo barrier right on top of the grass?

[@k6outdoors]

Correct its really up to layout and what you bare looking to achieve. I found the layout i did worked out well. Thanks for stopping in!

[@yaqubhameed7170]

Hi….did you use concrete or anything to ensure the playground doesn’t sink?

[@k6outdoors]

I did not, I installed per the traditional instructions. Thanks for stopping in!

[@josephrodriguez4542]

Did you put the cloth down underneath the 4x6 to prevent weeds to come up between the two?

[@k6outdoors]

I did not, I folded it up to the edge and created a lip for the material to contain itself within.

[@theb0sshog741]

We are building a treated wood swing set/slide combo. What would you recommend for the best way to waterproof/protect the wood? Really don’t want to paint it, but maybe seal it?

[@k6outdoors]

Sealing it would be your best bet. Usually you need to wait for the lumber to dry out before applying the sealant. Take a look at the sealants application directions before applying. Thanks for stopping in!

[@BrennanJspencer]

I just bought this set but my backyard is sloped not too steep where i eqnt to put it. Any ideas that dont involve a retaining wall?

[@k6outdoors]

@BrennanJspencer something to consider is digging out the area to make it level and fill it was a safety surface material. Thanks for stopping in!

[@BrennanJspencer]

So i leveled itbout and built the border and now i feel like the multch or pea gravel it would bury the bottom parts of the playset right? All the websites say to put in the saftey material after setting up and anchoring the playset​@k6outdoors

[@momof5129]

Hello sir. Can you tell me the exact type of wood you used for the border please. I have 4x4x12 posts for ground. The landscape timber is not for ground so wondering what you used. Thank you.

[@k6outdoors]

I used 4x6 Ac2 treatment rated for ground contact

[@momof5129]

@@k6outdoors Thank You so much. I appreciate the fast response. I’m making my daughter a playground so I wanna do it correct :)

[@momof5129]

@@k6outdoors one more question. The fasten the wood together what size of nails did you use? Will 3 inch or 4 inch in length work??

[@k6outdoors]

I believe i used 3" coated screws

[@Alexander-uc5qd]

Did you have to do this before installing the playset? Or could it be done after playset is already there?

[@k6outdoors]

I did it all after the playset was completed! Thanks for stopping in!

[@bryf9990]

Did you dig out the grass first of put you weed barrier right over the grass? Would that work or not? It would save a lot of work if so.?> U didnt mention that part. thanks.

[@k6outdoors]

I only dug put the grass in the spots the playset touched, in the remainder of the area i used the geotextile right on top of the grass and it worked great.

[@alliebudenz1005]

Great video! How far apart did you place the concrete stakes?

[@k6outdoors]

Apprecaite it! I placed them at the ends and center of each board, hope this helps.

[@haringhayme6291]

Is okay to do it without the landscape fabric?

[@k6outdoors]

You certainly can, but you will likely get weed/ grass growth and the rubber can settle into the soil over time.

[@littlebrotherinspires]

Thank you for the video!!! Greatly appreciated, motivated me to do it!!

[@k6outdoors]

Great! Glad you found it helpful. Its a ton of work but its worth it!

[@aymenrust3417]

How did you know how many concrete stakes to use?

[@k6outdoors]

I just figured it would be best to support each end that would move and then the middle of each section. Thanks for stopping in

[@monikarooney3015]

HI, any tips on leveling the area for the base?

[@k6outdoors]

It really depends on what you are doing, is it gradual or really unlevel?

[@monikarooney3015]

@@k6outdoors gradual, it was really uneven due to being a flower bed/ tree bed before, but I cleared it up and dug to flatten the "hills" i am planning on now building the perimeter setting in on my surface and leveling as I go and leave the middle as it is and fill it up with mulch

[@jacobtalley467]

Just curious did you lay the 4x6 boards with the 6inches horizontal to the ground or vertically? I want a good barrier but 6 inches tall feels high to me

[@k6outdoors]

The 4 inch is the "wall height". I used a 4x6 to have added stability with the 6" width contacting the ground

[@jacobtalley467]

@@k6outdoors perfect that is what I was thinking I would do - thanks for the fast reply!

[@jwillhold3540]

So helpful. We are trying this soon.

[@k6outdoors]

Thank you and good luck!! Appreciate you stopping in!

[@aprilrodriguez5874]

Wow I love this !! I have been feeling so sad because I have a dirt area in my backyard where I just put the play set up but our dirt is so hard and ugly and I don’t really have a lot of money to do much so I was looking for the lowest cost way to make it look nice and protect my baby if he falls. If you have any ideas for me please please let me know .. I love your video and what you did but I just can’t afford that.

[@k6outdoors]

Unfortunately everything is going to cost something. Ive seen people use rubber mats, sand and wood mulch as alternatives as well. Unless you have something else to repurpose itll cost a little bit of something to add to the area. Hope this helps and thanks for stopping in!

[@Trunee916]

I just received our non-toxic playground mulch, and it is pricey. Before ordering, I wanted to get the wooden playground mulch, but Home Depot was sold out of it. That option is about $350 cheaper, and your little ones would still be safe. I am not sure how many inches you would need for safety, but you can Google it. I hope this helps.

[@chasebennett697]

How many pounds or cubic did you get for the rubber mulch?

[@k6outdoors]

I used about 150 bags or about 3200 lbs. Thanks for stopping in!

[@lizgomezjacobson6709]

Did you dig out all of the grass inside the base ?

[@k6outdoors]

I did not, i only dug put what was required to place the playset and make it level, thanks for stopping in!

[@brandonkanarek2870]

How many garden stakes did you use? Thanks in advance

[@k6outdoors]

I used a couple of boxes, may have gone a little overboard, thanks for stopping in

[@aprieallen9528]

thanks really simple going to do it.

[@k6outdoors]

Thanks for stopping in

[@bluddab9220]

Be carful using the rubber for playgrounds. These are from old tires which hold toxic chemicals for the little ones. FYI

[@k6outdoors]

Appreciate the feedback, thanks for stopping in

[@JoseContreras-mv5yz]

I thought about that today. Wouldn't it contain chemicals known to give cancer ?

[@jo53mx]

@@JoseContreras-mv5yz I just ordered some Playsafer rubber mulch, they claim that their process of recycling the rubber makes it non toxic and a lot safer than other brands

[@TheHassboss12]

Did you strip out the grass in that area or kill it to make sure it doesn't grow through? Or, did you lay a mesh/tarp?

[@k6outdoors]

I sprayed it with roundup and then used the geotextile in the description of the video. Thanks for stopping in!

[@albertocardona9244]

Cuz I was told to do 34 by 27 so I was wondering if that was the sizes you was recommend so I could do mine the same like you did yours 28 by 24

[@k6outdoors]

The instructions size out a larger area, but we have had no issues with the size I choose. Thanks!

[@BrennanJspencer]

Did you end up making it smaller?

[@BrennanJspencer]

​@k6outdoors I have those same recommendations for size but it would dramatically help me if I could make ir smaller

[@lindseysouza2688]

How much geotextile did you use ?

[@k6outdoors]

I bought two 125' rolls and I used 1 3/4 of them. Thanks for stopping in!

[@SteveBoslet]

Well done!

[@k6outdoors]

Appreciate it! Thanks for stopping in!

[@franksenderewich7379]

What’s the order of the build? Level ground, border , playset, geo textile, then mulch?

[@k6outdoors]

That is precisely how i did it! Thanks for stopping in

[@franksenderewich7379]

@@k6outdoors thanks!! would it be possible to do geo textile then playset? Or doesn’t make much difference

[@k6outdoors]

@@franksenderewich7379 it would work either way, I just choose this route

[@jianhuazhou4301]

Where do you live? Can you do the fall zone of the play set for me? I live in MA.

[@k6outdoors]

Im quite far away! You can do it!

[@jianhuazhou4301]

@@k6outdoors Thank you for your prompt reply.

[@brandonclevenger1916]

Did you built the play set on top of the mulch or did you put it together before putting the mulch down ?

[@k6outdoors]

The playset was put in place and leveled prior to putting down the base

[@h.v.7703]

​@@k6outdoors do you put the landscape fabric first and then the playground and then the mulch?

[@jordandicarlo5659]

​@H. V. Was there ever an answer to this?

[@albertocardona9244]

You said the Border was 24 by 28 but you said it was smaller than recommended what was the original sizes that you was recommend that you do

[@k6outdoors]

That is the size I built it, the instructions have a recommended safety area and I just undersized it a little bit because I thought the original design was excessive.

[@dahliaswaby780]

What size green treated lumber did u use?

[@k6outdoors]

4x6 - 14' long green treated

[@s2ktogti]

Hello! Awesome video. I was reading the comments and you mentioned how you put mulch down last and built the playset first. That would mean the mulch would come up 4-6 inches up the playset. There is a sandbox and other things that would be covered up on the playset if I did this. Anyway to avoid this, would you recommend building the playset right on top of the mulch after the base is built up?

[@k6outdoors]

The only option you would have been to dig down in the areas where the playset doesn't contact the ground to make it deeper. The playset MUST be mounted on a solid surface, so it remains in place and structurally sound. I hope this helps, thanks for stopping in!

[@charveyurbano4974]

Just curious, what’s underneath the fabric barrier? Is it just dirt or did you put gravel base?

[@k6outdoors]

Just dirt! Thanks for stopping by!

[@charveyurbano4974]

Thank you

[@h.v.7703]

​@@k6outdoors what if I am putting it on grass? Should we dig out the grass first? Or not worry bc the grass will die anyway

[@k6outdoors]

@@h.v.7703 i sprayed mine with roundup and covered it with thw fabric, no issues!

[@throlyhd9448]

Rubbermulch from your link is 46$ per bag..... how the hell is this budget friendly?

[@k6outdoors]

It definitely wasnt that price when the video was created, $6-$7 a bag is more common at the time the video was published. I just updated the link to a more budget-friendly bulk qty. Thanks for stopping in!

[@freshgear687]

How many bags did you use?

[@k6outdoors]

around 150, thanks for stopping in

[@haringhayme6291]

Also how many bags or rubber mulch in total did you use?

[@k6outdoors]

I cant remember for 100% certainty, but i was around 140 bags

[@haringhayme6291]

I see thanks👍🏼

[@haringhayme6291]

One last thing what is the exact measurement of the playground?

[@k6outdoors]

@Haring Hayme i believe the border is 24' x 28'

[@shawnta2002191]

How many bags of rubber mulch?

[@k6outdoors]

I used about 150, thanks for stopping in!

[@mahael-hawi4751]

@@k6outdoors you said about 5/6$ a bag? Amazon link shows cost at about 40$. Did price go up? Or am I looking at wrong link

[@k6outdoors]

@@mahael-hawi4751 it must have went up.. i bought it at my local home improvement store for about $6 per bag

[@momof5129]

@@mahael-hawi4751 if you buy it online then it’s very expensive. At lowes you can get a full pallet of 75 bags for 500. It’s a little less the $7.00 a bag if you get it in person at lowes. Not online.

[@truthhurts7529]

Where’s the link to it?

[@k6outdoors]

Which link are you looking for? If it is for the playset, checkout COSTCO's website as they have been changing styles.

[@truthhurts7529]

@@k6outdoors sorry, I meant the rubber mulch! 😬

[@k6outdoors]

Picked mine up at the local big box store but here is some similar material from amazon!! amzn.to/3d9eEUT

[@tiffanysgottimetoday4589]

River tire is cancerous, my slide used to work in a tire factory